Bacterial RNA polymerase-DNA interaction-The driving force of gene expression and the target for drug action

Jookyung Lee, Sergei Borukhov

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

DNA-dependent multisubunit RNA polymerase (RNAP) is the key enzyme of gene expression and a target of regulation in all kingdoms of life. It is a complex multifunctional molecular machine which, unlike other DNA-binding proteins, engages in extensive and dynamic interactions (both specific and nonspecific) with DNA, and maintains them over a distance. These interactions are controlled by DNA sequences, DNA topology, and a host of regulatory factors. Here, we summarize key recent structural and biochemical studies that elucidate the fine details of RNAP-DNA interactions during initiation. The findings of these studies help unravel the molecular mechanisms of promoter recognition and open complex formation, initiation of transcript synthesis and promoter escape. We also discuss most current advances in the studies of drugs that specifically target RNAP-DNA interactions during transcription initiation and elongation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number73
JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences
Volume3
Issue numberNOV
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 9 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Bacterial RNA polymerase-DNA interaction-The driving force of gene expression and the target for drug action'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this